The Need to Simplify

We have birds.

Many birds.

We have chickens that give us wonderful eggs and lots of laughs (they’re fun to watch).

We have diamond doves that coo with a peaceful sound.

We have little spice finches that are so delicate and beautiful.

And we have a grumpy old parrot that yells and sings opera. He’s also a great source of my frustration and gray hair, but he’s been around longer than my children so I guess he’s earned his place in our family (even though I’ve Googled “parrot kabob” recipes many times).

They all live on the patio right outside my window. They’re here next to me as I work at my computer/home office space set up in a perfect little corner of the kitchen.

Yesterday, I noticed that another domestic run-away spice finch had flown and landed on top of our cage and was trying to find his way into the cage with my other finches. He was beautiful and looked just like mine with the same rich color of good coffee (which is why I’ve named mine Mocha and Cappuccino, LOL).

I had to wonder why in the world such a sweet creature

who’d found such freedom would want to return to captivity.

Why would any of us desire such a thing when God offers true, sustaining freedom to us all?

That’s when I took a look around my house and looked within myself and realized all the “stuff” that holds me captive.

All the clutter spots swept to the corners of my life.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,

to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,

which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you

may discern what is the will of God, what is good and

 acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

I’m ready to simplify, to condense and to renew. I have a great inner need to clean up and get rid of all the baggage, all the filth, all the unnecessary debris.

Who knew that watching a tiny bird determined to return to the safety of captivity would prompt such a thing?

But that’s how God works – in the smallest of details.

Be blessed today and EVERYday, friends!

Debbie

Silencing Your Past

This week has weighed heavy on my emotions. It’s dredged up painful memories and feelings better left sunk deep in the mud of the past.

I suppose God allows those memories to resurface for a reason. Perhaps to dissect them, one by toxic one, before casting them away once and for all…like a pebble tossed in the deepest ocean. The current swells and shifts above while the stone rests forever at the deep, dark, lonely bottom of the sea.

But this week has also reminded me that God has the power to turn

the weight of hurt and pain completely upside down.

Only God can break through the control and the power of a painful past and transform it into strength - strength to propel me forward, to breathe life into the future and silence the voice of that which threatens to pull be down to the bottom of that sea.

Our memories and the experiences we gain from them are valuable, yes.

But that’s why our rear-view mirror is so small

and our windshield is so large!

We’re to keep moving forward toward all He calls us to.

To pray.

To believe.

To serve.

To live.

To love.

 To embrace each new journey

….to forgive.

There’s power in the blood!

There’s peace in His presence.

And there’s joy in every single day He freely gives.

I pray you live your life fully, friends. To embrace others and love with your whole heart.

and to let God break the bonds of pain and anger in your life. Cast your stone to the bottom of the sea and live a life of freedom in Christ.

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom

as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16)

Many Blessings,

Debbie

A Prayer for You Today (8/21)

Heavenly Father,

Please speak to my heart today as well as the hearts of those who may read this post. Help us to clearly hear your voice through the clutter, the confusion, the demands, the appointments and all obligations that we may recognize and act upon your will over ours.

Thank you for granting us this brand new day. Order our steps and help us to make the necessary time to meditate on your word that we may apply it to our lives. Help us all to be open, willing vessels ready to receive your calling.  Give us each a hunger for your word and your direction.

Speak to those with inhibitions and self doubt.  Strengthen and lift weak arms. Give sight to those who have lost their way. Provide clarity of thought and direction as you are the well spring in a dry, parched land. 

I thank you that we can call upon you to restore, replenish and refresh us as your people. Thank you for loving your children.

“O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man…”

(Nehemiah 1:11)

Be blessed,

Debbie

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